Member news October 2014

26 September 2014

The IOP’s former president, Prof. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, opened a new observatory at Red Maids’ School, Bristol, on 12 September.

As well as opening the facility, which includes a computerised optical telescope and weather station, Prof. Bell Burnell spoke to students at the all-girls school about her work as an astronomer and astrophysicist and encouraged them to consider a career in the field. The school’s headteacher, Isabel Tobias, (pictured right with Prof. Bell Burnell, left) said: “Jocelyn is a real inspiration to young women. I am sure the chance to meet such a high-profile scientist will encourage the girls to aim high and consider careers in physics and other sciences.”